#jay was meant to be a phantom of the opera but the phantom part is pacman's blue ghost

[theandrosaur]

I had these costumes ideas prepared for Halloween 🎃🍷

Kai is a devil king and Zane a disco ice vampire

[writerchickmarie]

John Lloyd Young By Request -Wishes Granted And Dreams Fulfilled

If there is ever a universal truth, it is this: John Lloyd Young is always thinking of and cares about his friends and fans.

And he showed it once again tonight, as he and Tommy Faragher did a set comprised completely of requests from all of us, bringing back favorite memories and stirring up a variety of emotions as we revisited songs we already love during the main show, and got to hear new ones that were suggested performed brilliantly in the afterparty in a workshop-type setting.  

JLY mentioned that the songs were the top vote getters submitted by fans, and how pleased he and Tommy are that people wanted to hear these songs again.  He arranged the songs in a way that made sense for the set, so the songs were not done in order of number of votes - which only added to the element of surprise.

Our evening began with “Lightning Strikes”, showcasing how well JLY can move into falsetto and back - not only between songs, but within the same song.  After that came the perennial favorite “Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me”, and I look forward to the day that we are all at shows in person again, where JLY can come into the audience and visit with all of us as he performs this one.  

The next three are ones that we used to hear often, but hadn’t for a while...”Stardust”, which I know is a well-loved song for several of us, “Hey There Lonely Girl”, with JLY’s stunningly beautiful falsetto, and “Hurt”, with the angst and emotion present in both voice and expression.  

He followed these with two of his original songs, and he told us how grateful he is that we enjoy and want to hear the original material in addition to all of the other songs chosen.  First up was “Slow Dawn Calling”, which I know we were all singing along to at home.  It was followed by “Till The Storm Is Done”, which I hope we get to hear more often - and is so appropriate now as we all weather the storm together and work our way through this pandemic.

The next song was also one we hadn’t heard in a while, but I’m so glad it was chosen for this set.  JLY’s version of “You Keep Me Hangin” On” is gritty, soulful, and deeper than the pop version we all know so well.  I prefer JLY’s for that reason - you can actually feel the emotion in the words.  After this came “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”, which is always a favorite and welcome in every set.

JLY took a break for a few minutes while Tommy performed “A Song For You”, which is always a favorite as well - it’s always a joy to hear him sing this, and a treat to have Tommy do a solo during every show to showcase his many talents.

JLY came back and sang “My Prayer”, telling us the story of how when his dad heard that he recorded it, he had told him that it was his parents’ song when they were teenagers.  So I would say that it was meant to be for JLY to perform it.  This led to the next song, the sweet yet emotional “Just One Smile”, which I know several friends have mentioned was a major favorite.

The next two were the actual top vote getters - “Unchained Melody” at #1, and “Cara Mia” at #2.  We could hear these and every show and never get tired of them, especially the way that JLY performs them.  

The final three in the main show were definitely songs that hadn’t been done in concert in a while.  JLY’s ethereal rendition of “To Make You Feel My Love” will make you cry.  Then his version of “Maybe I’m Amazed”, which actually tops Sir Paul’s original, will make you feel warm and joyful.  He closed with “Let’s Stay Together” - it was especially good to hear this one since it’s been such a long time since it was performed.

After a short break we moved on to the afterparty, and all of the new song suggestions that JLY and Tommy chose to workshop for us.  

This part of the evening started with Tommy singing “Bring It On Home” - then moved into him singing “To Love Somebody”, which was a suggestion that JLY said was perfect for Tommy’s voice - and he was right.  It’s such a pleasure to witness and experience the amazing partnership between JLY and Tommy, the true musical Dynamic Duo.

JLY also mentioned that some of the songs that were requested happened to be on their short list of possible future songs, which helped them decide which ones to do for this afterparty.  He also said that they kept the lists of songs from both sets, so even if they didn’t do some of the suggestions for this event, they might visit them sometime in the future.  And it really is an honor to be able to be a part of their creative process of choosing material, and to be present as they try out different ideas and arrangements during the workshop and let us give feedback.  I know it is personally fascinating to me, and also to many others.  

JLY’s first song in this section was “It’s Gonna Take A Miracle”, which I hadn’t heard in a long time.  This one is perfect to showcase his incredible vocal range.  This was followed by “In My Life”, which was beautifully done and will get even better over time.  

He took our breath away with “All I Ask Of You”, and I really hope at some point he can be in Phantom Of The Opera.  This song is definitely a keeper!  After that was a fun back and forth with JLY and Tommy for “More Than A Woman”...I could see this being a cool addition to future shows.  The “Tee Jays”, anyone? :) 

JLY had promised a Frankie Valli song that hadn’t been performed in Jersey Boys, and he told us the story of how some of the powers that be wanted to get this song in so they had him try it out, but ultimately it was only used as underscoring in a certain scene.  This song, “The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore”, was another beautifully breathtaking moment - and I really hope that it becomes a regular part of future shows.  It’s that amazing.

JLY closed the afterparty with “When Will I See You Again”, which is also appropriate at this time as we all looking forward to being together again.  I have faith that it will be soon, and we will all appreciate it even more than before.

This was a special evening that we will all remember, and that will carry us through as we work our way toward live in-person shows again.  Thank you to JLY, Tommy, and The Space for making so many wishes come true.

[sassycassie-s-series]

All My Fault 26

By: SassyShoulderAngel319

Fandom/Character(s): DC, BatFam - Damian Wayne/Batman

Rating: PG/K+

Notes: (Masterlist) This is a kinda long one at 2,212 words, but WOOHOO more stuff is happening! We’re getting over closer to their confession y’all! If you’re wondering, no I don’t really know how to do short series XD Just LOOOOONG slow burns XD

Tag List (Open): @batboys-and-other-messes @haylo4ever @lostredrobin @probsjosh​ @spooder-moon @welovegroot

Ch 1, Ch 2, Ch 3, Ch 4, Ch 5, Ch 6, Ch 7, Ch 8, Ch 9, Ch 10, Ch 11, Ch 12, Ch 13, Ch 14, Ch 15, Ch 16, Ch 17, Ch 18, Ch 19, Ch 20, Ch 21, Ch 22, Ch 23, Ch 24, Ch 25

^^^^^

Damian glared at Dick over the top of his sketchbook. Per Alfred’s orders, he was on bedrest until the next morning, and it was the day after he arrived. So, another twenty-four hours in bed. McCloud had gone to bed herself after Damian’s hand twitched in the cave and woke her up at 2:30AM, so Alfred sent her to bed.

Which meant that when Damian got transferred up to his own bed, Dick decided to keep him company.

At first it wasn’t so bad. Dick just sat at Damian’s desk on his laptop and started going over crime rates and actually helped Damian type up his mission report to submit to the Watchtower’s records. And then… Dick got bored.

“C’mon, Little D,” Dick teased. “Don’t you think Nora Wayne has a nice ring to it?”

“Grayson, so help me, if you make one more joke regarding the feelings I have for her I will strip you to your mask and briefs and string you up on the GCPD tower with the Bat-signal shining right on you for everyone to see,” Damian growled, going back to a sketch of Titus he’d been working on that morning. Dick spun around in the desk chair, giving Damian a skeptically raised right eyebrow.

“I'm so glad you’re willing to just admit to my face that you are such a goner for her,” he said brightly.

“Grayson, I'm warning you,” Damian snapped, jaw clenched.

“Just admit to me you think Nora Wayne has a nice ring to it and I’ll let it go,” Dick said playfully. Damian closed his eyes with a resigned sigh.

“Tt. Alright. Whatever. It has a nice ring to it. Sure.” And I most definitely have not already thought of that many times over, he added silently.

“Glad you agree. Because if she became Nora Wayne, you’d no longer have to call her McCloud all the time. Heaven forbid you call anyone by their first name. I imagine Alfred and Bruce would be delighted to have a Mrs. Wayne again.”

“And if she chose not to give up McCloud?” Damian challenged.

Dick shrugged. “Then that’s her choice. You still wouldn’t have to call her McCloud anymore. You could call her something cute instead.” He paused. “Like honey or baby or something.” Damian scoffed and rolled his eyes.

Through the slightly open door, they could hear familiar music drifting from down the hall.

A smile pulled on Dick’s face. Damian slowly lifted up his sketchbook and hid behind it to avoid further teasing.

McCloud was singing Phantom of the Opera from her bedroom. Her door was probably open and she might have just gotten out of the shower or something. She had a nice voice. It was Broadway-levels of loud without being Broadway trained. She tended to belt dramatically and not care how it sounded. Like the time before the charity ball when she thought she was alone and sang Total Eclipse of the Heart in the Batcave.

Dick peeked up over the top of Damian’s sketchbook. “You hear that?” he asked with an ecstatic smile.

“Yes,” Damian said flatly, not giving his eldest brother the satisfaction of a reaction.

“She’s singing both parts of a duet,” Dick pointed out.

“Indeed,” Damian agreed, tone completely monotone.

“Sooo… why don’t you sing the other part?”

“I don’t sing,” Damian snapped.

Dick sighed. “Cloudy is the only fun person in this family,” he muttered. Damian rolled his eyes, but didn’t argue.

^^^^^

“Gooood morning, Cloudy!” Jason greeted brightly as I went down into the kitchen to get some breakfast before checking up on Damian again.

“Morning Jay,” I replied tiredly, through a wide yawn.

“Sleep well?”

I tilted my head to either side to loosen up the muscles. “Kinda,” I replied.

“You ditched patrol to snooze on Damian’s bedside. Must be a little stiff.”

“Technically, I fell asleep before you left and no one bothered to wake me up.” The sarcasm in my voice wasn’t lost on Jason. He snickered.

“That’s fair,” he relented.

I munched half-heartedly on a bowl of dry cereal that I wasn’t in the mood for and sighed. “I'm gonna go see if he’s okay.”

“Loved your shower performance, by the way,” Jason offered.

I pushed some of my damp hair out of my face. “Thanks,” I said, leaving the kitchen with my bowl of dry Cookie Crisps. Alfred would be cross if I got cereal dust on anything, so I carefully managed not to. Besides, the boys left half-eaten candy bars on the floors of their rooms and had gotten chocolate on the carpet more times than I bothered to count. My room was spotless by comparison.

When I reached Damian’s door, it was half-open. I could hear Dick humming inside, and if I listened hard enough I could hear the scratching of Damian’s pencil too. I lifted one hand and knocked. “Morning,” I called.

“Mornin’ Cloudy!” Dick replied loudly.

“Good morning, McCloud,” Damian added.

“Can I come in?” I asked.

There was a pause. “If you’d like,” Damian said.

I ducked through the door.

Damian was sitting up in bed on a pile of plush pillows with the sheet over his lower body. His upper body was bare, save for the bandages wrapped around his injuries. His bruises were smaller—healing. His sketchbook was on his lap. I could see a drawing of Titus on the page. I examined his injuries briefly—and absolutely did not pay attention to his physique—and perched at the foot of his bed.

“How you feelin’, Damian?” I asked casually, popping some cereal into my mouth.

He shrugged. “Absolutely fine. But Alfred won’t let me do anything till tomorrow morning.”

“That’s a good thing,” I said. “Gives you more time to heal.”

Damian regarded me, searching my face like he was searching for any sign of mocking. But I wasn’t mocking him. Just genuinely believing that Alfred’s orders were sound. I chewed on another small handful of cereal and threw a piece at Dick when he opened his mouth. He caught it expertly and laughed in victory.

“Tt,” Damian muttered.

Dick shut his laptop. “You gonna keep him company for a while, Clouds?” he asked.

“Sure,” I said.

“Okay. I'm gonna go get some stuff done. I gotta go make some calls,” Dick said, leaving the room. He didn’t shut the door behind him, which I was grateful for. A shut door would make me uncomfortable.

“Bye!” I called after him.

“Bye!” Dick singsonged. He whistled down the hallway.

I turned my attention back to Damian. “Cookie Crisp?” I asked, offering him the bowl.

He shook his head. “That much sugar would make me ill,” he said. “Thank you for offering though.”

I shrugged and ate another handful. “No problem,” I said. “How are you feeling, really?” I asked.

Damian glanced over my shoulder at the door. “I'm alright,” he said. “My injuries ache and throb but nothing else is new. I just… the mission failed. It’s no one’s fault. But it was my idea so it seems like my fault. It’s my fault I was injured this badly. It’s my fault we didn’t get the speedsters back. It’s my fault that I worried you when I turned up barely conscious. It’s my fault—”

“Stop,” I said. “It’s not your fault. You’re too hard on yourself. You blame yourself for things you have no control over. So you couldn’t get the speedsters out of the Speed-Force. So what? You tried. And that’s what matters. It’s not your fault that I'm here, out of time, either. It’s the Time Bombs’ fault. So do yourself a favor and relax.”

Damian opened his mouth to argue, but thought better of it when I cocked an eyebrow. Then he sighed. “Fine,” he muttered.

I crossed my legs under me at the foot of his bed and leaned forward. “So how’s your Titus picture?” I asked.

“Fine,” he answered, turning the sketchbook to show it to me.

“Looks great,” I said.

“Thank you,” he said automatically. He bit his lip and looked up at me. “Really. Thank you.”

I smiled. “Of course. How did you sleep?”

“Fine. I should be asking that question to you though.”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“I woke up at about one-thirty in the morning to you sleeping with your head on the edge of the gurney.”

“Oh. Yeah I slept okay till Alfred ordered me to bed about an hour later when I woke up because you twitched.”

“Apologies.”

“Nah it’s okay. It was better for my neck to go to bed like a normal person,” I joked. Damian smirked. It wasn’t so tired and weak anymore. I liked his more alert smirk. It had a mischievous quality to it that made me feel like a kid meeting a new friend who was ultimately going to get me in so much trouble for doing something my parents told me not to do like swim in a creek or something.

“Then perhaps I’ll rescind my apology,” he said.

“Nah. I’ll still accept it because it used to be rare for you to apologize.”

“Tt. I was a bit of a brat when I was younger, wasn’t I?” he mused, grinning slightly.

“Mmhmm!” I agreed, eating more cereal. Damian snorted. “But,” I added, “you were also a good kid at heart who was doing his best with what he had to work with. You weren’t raised like a normal kid and frankly arrogance can be confidence if you can back up your claims. Which you often did.”

Damian regarded me. “Thank you,” he said. “That is… very kind of you.”

I smiled. “‘Course,” I said.

Damian looked between me and his sketchbook for a moment. “There’s… there’s something I want to show you,” he said thoughtfully.

“Uh… okay,” I replied.

He threw his covers off.

“Hey, wait, Damian,” I protested, “Alfred said you’re supposed to stay in bed till tomorrow.”

Damian gave me a cocked eyebrow, waiting for me to back down. I gave him the same look, refusing to back down. Waynes were ridiculously stubborn, but I wasn’t a doormat either. “You wouldn’t be able to reach what I’d like to show you, McCloud,” Damian said, getting out of bed. “And getting something from my closet won’t hurt me.”

I glared at him from the foot of the bed as he crossed to his closet and pulled down a box that was up on the high top shelf. He brought it over and dropped it by my knees. He sat on the other side of the dusty box and let the lid flop carelessly on the floor.

Inside was a pile of old sketchbooks, several of the bottom ones with yellowing pages.

I tensed up. Damian didn’t really show off his art to too many people. Sure he showed me his painting of the picture I’d posted on Twitter and his designs for my charity ball dress, but his sketchbooks were far more private. I only saw the drawing he did of me when I first got to the future because Jason dropped the sketchbook on my lap. I looked up at him, with surprise on my face.

“You alright?” he asked with a small grin.

“You’re… trusting me with this?” I replied.

“Of course. I'm showing you the practice sketches of the drawings I used to give the family every year for the day you went missing. Grayson would keep his for a while and then insisted I keep the drawings I gave to him.” He dug into the box and pulled out a folder that had several pages of sheet protectors in them and passed it to me. I pulled it open. “Those are the finished products. They look the best,” he added.

I flipped through the drawings. Each one was beautiful, and I could see how his art style improved over the eight years I’d been missing due to the time jump. There were eight of them. “Did you use references for these?” I asked. “Because I'm pretty sure I never looked like that.” I pointed to the one of me—dated 2025—in a flowing gown dancing with a partner whose face couldn’t be seen. The gown looked like it was being blown by a fantasy wind that also caught my hair.

Damian grinned. “No. I made that one up. Grayson asked if I would draw you dancing because he said he would forever remember you as a dancer. I decided I could take some liberties with it,” he said. I chuckled.

“And the one with the wings?”

“I was fourteen and Grayson said you were an angel. What would you expect?”

While I looked through the finished sketches Damian had drawn for Dick in greater detail, Damian pulled out the others he’d done for everyone else, explaining them and reminding me that the family loved me. I looked between the drawings and their artist, feeling flattered and amazed that he always depicted me in such beautiful ways. Most of them had me laughing and smiling in some way.

“I really don’t know what to say,” I said. “They’re all incredible.”

Damian ducked his head and avoided my eyes. “Thank you.”

Next

[demitgibbs]

Q&A: An Intimate Evening with Deborah Cox

The South Florida community is invited to a sneak peek into the newest project starring Grammy Award-nominated and multi-platinum recording artist and actress Deborah Cox live at Seaspice, located on the banks of the Miami River. Acclaimed for her starring roles in the hit musicals The Bodyguard, Aida and Jekyll & Hyde, this concert will chart new territory and give you a behind-the-scenes look into Deborah’s latest collaboration. You’ll hear “hits” that you know, new songs that you’ll love and intimate stories from Deborah’s exciting career. Created with renowned Broadway talents Director Richard Jay-Alexander of Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera and Miss Saigon and Musical Director Joseph Joubert of Motown, The Color Purple and Billy Elliot, this special performance will showcase the sheer beauty and artistry of Deborah Cox like never before. Proceeds from “Arsht Live at Seaspice” support the Arsht Center’s numerous Arts Education initiatives that annually serve more than 55,000 Miami-Dade children and their families.

It was a pleasure to sit down with Deborah Cox and Richard Jay-Alexander (separately) for this Hotspots exclusive Interview:

When did performing become an interest of yours?

It started when I was 11 doing different talent shows and other things, and then I went to a performing arts high school.

What was your first professional gig?

It was my first commercial, and it was for Marvelous Muffins. I was paid $50.

When did you know singing/performing would be your career?

Probably when I was in high school. I was the one that was always tired in first period as I had a gig the night before. It was somewhere around 17.

You have collaborated with many artists. Do you have a favorite and why?

My favorite is the duet I did with Whitney Houston. The reason for that is I felt like everything came full circle for me as an artist. Growing up I looked up to and admired her so much!

You have received many awards for your efforts in the fight for human rights. What made you decide to use your fame for this cause and has this been rewarding for you?

It’s been really rewarding as it came out of purely organic situations. I had lost a few friends from AIDS, and I had other gay and lesbian friends who were shamed and kicked out of their family’s homes. This made me want to speak up on human rights issues, and I have never stopped!

Your Broadway debut was in Aida, how did this come about and tell us about the experience?

I was literally in between albums and had just given birth to my son. The producers were looking for a new AIDA and I just went for it, and got cast. It rekindled my love for musical theater which I had done prior to my albums.

You were recently in the Broadway Tour of the Bodyguard, which, I must say you were AMAZING in, can you tell me about that experience?

Thanks! It was a very liberating experience. It was the most challenging role to date because I knew what the expectations were and I had to deliver 13 Whitney Houston hits!! What I didn’t know was the discipline this role would require. That meant no wine, tons of water, no coffee and being at my very best vocally so I couldn’t afford to get sick. My only days off were the travel day to the next city. I also felt that it came full circle for me. I was able to pay tribute to a long-time mentor, label mate and friend.

Describe yourself in three words?

Focused, nurturing, and fearless.

What should the South Florida audiences expect from this sneak peek of your new show?

Well, this will be the first time working and creating anything like this with Richard. I decided to work with him because I’ve been a fan of his work with the legends. I was introduced to him through a mutual friend and we clicked. I think everything has to do with chemistry and being able to trust a director that will bring out the best in you. I’m a little anxious about the journey.

I am not sure what kind of show they will get because I don’t know what it is yet. I am so excited that the Adrienne Arsht Center and Seaspice are allowing me to test out this experiment right here at home. I wanted to be able to do a show that really reflected on my influences, my likes and I wanted to share more of my own personal stories. I felt like it was time to get off the dance floor for a moment and bring the audience into my living room!

Part of the proceeds from this concert will benefit the Arsht Center’s award winning arts education programs. As an artist, why do you believe arts education is important for our local youth and students?

It’s Huge to have support for our arts programs. Where would we be without the performing arts? I think our youth need an outlet to express themselves. I also feel that we have to nurture the talent and keep programs growing where they can do workshops and have the opportunity to learn from professionals. The summer programs are amazing. I also think that it’s encouraging for them to know that there are world class artists right here at home and to see themselves as a part of that picture.

What does the future hold for you?

More music, live performances and more activism. I think more now than ever we as artists need to use our platform to bring awareness to some of the things we are most passionate about.

Richard Jay-Alexander – Photo by Bruce Glikas

You started out as an actor and now you are a famous director, do you like one more than the other, and what are the differences, creatively?

I love directing, but I didn’t really see it coming in the early parts of my career. When you fall in love with theatre, all you see is the performances. You’re not aware of all of the other skills that go into the creation of the final product. Leadership is also part of directing and I guess when you add up all the years of being class president, producing carnivals for muscular dystrophy as a youth, and anything authoritative like that, it all seems to add up to this trajectory.

As an actor, you have worked with celebrities such as Bernadette Peters, Patti LuPone (those two alone make me want to die and go to heaven), Tim Curry, Ron Moody, and Sir Ian McKellen. What did you learn from working with such superstars?

Wow! What a question! I’ve been a professional in the business for 43 years now, and I’m STILL learning “lessons.” Just listening to you drop those names my mind gets flooded with so many things, but, trust me, I have learned from each and every one of the people I have worked with.

As a director, you have worked with even more celebrities. Do you learn more directing or acting, and why?

Why are you asking these difficult questions? It’s crazy and I feel totally blessed to have worked with as many people as I have. But, I’m also fortunate that I’ve worked with so many people that I have admired while growing up, myself. I’ve recently begun to be referred to as “The Diva Whisperer” and it makes me laugh, but I sort of like it, too. I was dubbed that in a meeting with a great dame named Lisa Sharkey, who is the Senior Vice President Director of Creative Development at HarperCollins. We were in a meeting talking about the possibility of a book deal. Having been an actor, a stage manager, a singer, a dancer, a production assistant, a script reader… ALL of those things come into play every single time I step into a rehearsal with a cast or a star. Being able to jump in and out of hoops, myself, helps take away some of the fear, and puts me on the same playing field as whomever I’m working with.

You have directed shows in some of the most famous Concert Halls in the world. Do you have a favorite, and why?

Okay you’re now “officially” the smartest interview I’ve ever had. You haven’t asked me one repeat question from all the years I’ve been doing interviews. Every single venue is awesome in and of itself, but I must say, Carnegie Hall and The Hollywood Bowl are two of my absolute favorites. Every time I return to either of those, I still get chills.

You are on the Executive Board of one of my favorite organizations: Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. When did you get on the Board, and tell our readers why?

Okay, you’re killing me, now! I’ve been on the board since near the very beginning and was there when Equity Fights AIDS and Broadway Cares came together as one. It was a simple decision, really. Our business was being obliterated by the loss of lives and talent. To this day, sitting on that board and being led by Tom Viola, our Executive Director, and a committee of leaders in the theater community is one of my proudest responsibilities.

You are also Camp Director for Kristin Chenoweth’s Broadway Bootcamp. What made you take this position and is Kristin as super sweet as I think she is?

Being the Camp Director for Kristin Chenoweth’s Broadway Bootcamp fell in my lap out of nowhere. When we were on Broadway doing “Kristin Chenoweth: My Love Letter to Broadway,” I was in her dressing room one night, and she was despondent over the direction her camp was going in. She had dreams and goals for it, and felt they might be off-track. This happens to many not-for-profits in their early years, and, at that point, I volunteered to step in and help her. It has been a joy, and is one of my favorite things I look forward to every year. The kids are high school age and theatre obsessed, so they’re basically ME, when I was that age. Kristin is a marvel and insanely talented. But she cares about proper education, the arts, and helping young people realize that training and having a career can be within your grasp… no matter where you live or come from. This is also why Deborah Cox and I are doing The Seaspice Event which supports The Adrienne Arsht Center’s Arts Education and Community Outreach Programs.

How did your new project with Deborah Cox come about, and what should our readers expect from this sneak peek of your new collaboration?

This is a very happy story. I went to see The Bodyguard on tour when it played The Arsht. I knew about Deborah Cox and her music, but I had never laid eyes on her, on a stage. Everyone knows this NOW, but, that night, I threw my shoe in the air more than a couple of times. I remember thinking to myself, “SURELY, she’s doing this for me. She can’t possibly do this eight times a week!” Just weeks later, I received an email from a leading producer in New York, named Nick Scandalios (who also sits on the BC/EFA board) telling me that Deborah wants to put together a new show, and expand her wings, musically, beyond her legendary dance & music career. We arranged a meeting… it was pretty magical… and, here we are! We’re in the middle of the process, and we’re exploring all kinds of music, and also her unique background and story. The people who attend the event at Seaspice are going to witness where we’re at mid-process, and how and why we’re trying to analyze and conquer the type of material we want to share with an audience. I don’t believe this is done at a regional level, or a local level, but at a world-class level, and what we arrive at, ultimately, should be able to grace any stage across the globe. Deborah is nervous because she feels people expect a certain something, and they will get that, but, I have assured her that they will join her for the rest of the ride, as we move forward. It’s always scary, whether it’s Barbra, Bette, Bernadette, etc. But, we do it together, and we also have the guidance of a brilliant musical director, who is a star in his own right, and his name is Joseph Joubert.

One of the most fascinating things about Deborah, was learning that she is Canadian. More on that as well as being a mom, a wife, an activist, a dance diva, a friend of Whitney Houston’s, a Broadway star, a Fashionista, etc. when we see you at Seaspice.

Arsht Live at Seaspice (422 NW North River Drive, Miami, FL) featuring Deborah Cox takes place on Thursday, January 31 at 7pm with tickets starting at $75.

from Hotspots! Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2019/01/24/qa-an-intimate-evening-with-deborah-cox/ from Hot Spots Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.tumblr.com/post/182270897215

[hotspotsmagazine]

Q&A: An Intimate Evening with Deborah Cox

The South Florida community is invited to a sneak peek into the newest project starring Grammy Award-nominated and multi-platinum recording artist and actress Deborah Cox live at Seaspice, located on the banks of the Miami River. Acclaimed for her starring roles in the hit musicals The Bodyguard, Aida and Jekyll & Hyde, this concert will chart new territory and give you a behind-the-scenes look into Deborah’s latest collaboration. You’ll hear “hits” that you know, new songs that you’ll love and intimate stories from Deborah’s exciting career. Created with renowned Broadway talents Director Richard Jay-Alexander of Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera and Miss Saigon and Musical Director Joseph Joubert of Motown, The Color Purple and Billy Elliot, this special performance will showcase the sheer beauty and artistry of Deborah Cox like never before. Proceeds from “Arsht Live at Seaspice” support the Arsht Center’s numerous Arts Education initiatives that annually serve more than 55,000 Miami-Dade children and their families.

It was a pleasure to sit down with Deborah Cox and Richard Jay-Alexander (separately) for this Hotspots exclusive Interview:

When did performing become an interest of yours?

It started when I was 11 doing different talent shows and other things, and then I went to a performing arts high school.

What was your first professional gig?

It was my first commercial, and it was for Marvelous Muffins. I was paid $50.

When did you know singing/performing would be your career?

Probably when I was in high school. I was the one that was always tired in first period as I had a gig the night before. It was somewhere around 17.

You have collaborated with many artists. Do you have a favorite and why?

My favorite is the duet I did with Whitney Houston. The reason for that is I felt like everything came full circle for me as an artist. Growing up I looked up to and admired her so much!

You have received many awards for your efforts in the fight for human rights. What made you decide to use your fame for this cause and has this been rewarding for you?

It’s been really rewarding as it came out of purely organic situations. I had lost a few friends from AIDS, and I had other gay and lesbian friends who were shamed and kicked out of their family’s homes. This made me want to speak up on human rights issues, and I have never stopped!

Your Broadway debut was in Aida, how did this come about and tell us about the experience?

I was literally in between albums and had just given birth to my son. The producers were looking for a new AIDA and I just went for it, and got cast. It rekindled my love for musical theater which I had done prior to my albums.

You were recently in the Broadway Tour of the Bodyguard, which, I must say you were AMAZING in, can you tell me about that experience?

Thanks! It was a very liberating experience. It was the most challenging role to date because I knew what the expectations were and I had to deliver 13 Whitney Houston hits!! What I didn’t know was the discipline this role would require. That meant no wine, tons of water, no coffee and being at my very best vocally so I couldn’t afford to get sick. My only days off were the travel day to the next city. I also felt that it came full circle for me. I was able to pay tribute to a long-time mentor, label mate and friend.

Describe yourself in three words?

Focused, nurturing, and fearless.

What should the South Florida audiences expect from this sneak peek of your new show?

Well, this will be the first time working and creating anything like this with Richard. I decided to work with him because I’ve been a fan of his work with the legends. I was introduced to him through a mutual friend and we clicked. I think everything has to do with chemistry and being able to trust a director that will bring out the best in you. I’m a little anxious about the journey.

I am not sure what kind of show they will get because I don’t know what it is yet. I am so excited that the Adrienne Arsht Center and Seaspice are allowing me to test out this experiment right here at home. I wanted to be able to do a show that really reflected on my influences, my likes and I wanted to share more of my own personal stories. I felt like it was time to get off the dance floor for a moment and bring the audience into my living room!

Part of the proceeds from this concert will benefit the Arsht Center’s award winning arts education programs. As an artist, why do you believe arts education is important for our local youth and students?

It’s Huge to have support for our arts programs. Where would we be without the performing arts? I think our youth need an outlet to express themselves. I also feel that we have to nurture the talent and keep programs growing where they can do workshops and have the opportunity to learn from professionals. The summer programs are amazing. I also think that it’s encouraging for them to know that there are world class artists right here at home and to see themselves as a part of that picture.

What does the future hold for you?

More music, live performances and more activism. I think more now than ever we as artists need to use our platform to bring awareness to some of the things we are most passionate about.

Richard Jay-Alexander – Photo by Bruce Glikas

You started out as an actor and now you are a famous director, do you like one more than the other, and what are the differences, creatively?

I love directing, but I didn’t really see it coming in the early parts of my career. When you fall in love with theatre, all you see is the performances. You’re not aware of all of the other skills that go into the creation of the final product. Leadership is also part of directing and I guess when you add up all the years of being class president, producing carnivals for muscular dystrophy as a youth, and anything authoritative like that, it all seems to add up to this trajectory.

As an actor, you have worked with celebrities such as Bernadette Peters, Patti LuPone (those two alone make me want to die and go to heaven), Tim Curry, Ron Moody, and Sir Ian McKellen. What did you learn from working with such superstars?

Wow! What a question! I’ve been a professional in the business for 43 years now, and I’m STILL learning “lessons.” Just listening to you drop those names my mind gets flooded with so many things, but, trust me, I have learned from each and every one of the people I have worked with.

As a director, you have worked with even more celebrities. Do you learn more directing or acting, and why?

Why are you asking these difficult questions? It’s crazy and I feel totally blessed to have worked with as many people as I have. But, I’m also fortunate that I’ve worked with so many people that I have admired while growing up, myself. I’ve recently begun to be referred to as “The Diva Whisperer” and it makes me laugh, but I sort of like it, too. I was dubbed that in a meeting with a great dame named Lisa Sharkey, who is the Senior Vice President Director of Creative Development at HarperCollins. We were in a meeting talking about the possibility of a book deal. Having been an actor, a stage manager, a singer, a dancer, a production assistant, a script reader… ALL of those things come into play every single time I step into a rehearsal with a cast or a star. Being able to jump in and out of hoops, myself, helps take away some of the fear, and puts me on the same playing field as whomever I’m working with.

You have directed shows in some of the most famous Concert Halls in the world. Do you have a favorite, and why?

Okay you’re now “officially” the smartest interview I’ve ever had. You haven’t asked me one repeat question from all the years I’ve been doing interviews. Every single venue is awesome in and of itself, but I must say, Carnegie Hall and The Hollywood Bowl are two of my absolute favorites. Every time I return to either of those, I still get chills.

You are on the Executive Board of one of my favorite organizations: Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. When did you get on the Board, and tell our readers why?

Okay, you’re killing me, now! I’ve been on the board since near the very beginning and was there when Equity Fights AIDS and Broadway Cares came together as one. It was a simple decision, really. Our business was being obliterated by the loss of lives and talent. To this day, sitting on that board and being led by Tom Viola, our Executive Director, and a committee of leaders in the theater community is one of my proudest responsibilities.

You are also Camp Director for Kristin Chenoweth’s Broadway Bootcamp. What made you take this position and is Kristin as super sweet as I think she is?

Being the Camp Director for Kristin Chenoweth’s Broadway Bootcamp fell in my lap out of nowhere. When we were on Broadway doing “Kristin Chenoweth: My Love Letter to Broadway,” I was in her dressing room one night, and she was despondent over the direction her camp was going in. She had dreams and goals for it, and felt they might be off-track. This happens to many not-for-profits in their early years, and, at that point, I volunteered to step in and help her. It has been a joy, and is one of my favorite things I look forward to every year. The kids are high school age and theatre obsessed, so they’re basically ME, when I was that age. Kristin is a marvel and insanely talented. But she cares about proper education, the arts, and helping young people realize that training and having a career can be within your grasp… no matter where you live or come from. This is also why Deborah Cox and I are doing The Seaspice Event which supports The Adrienne Arsht Center’s Arts Education and Community Outreach Programs.

How did your new project with Deborah Cox come about, and what should our readers expect from this sneak peek of your new collaboration?

This is a very happy story. I went to see The Bodyguard on tour when it played The Arsht. I knew about Deborah Cox and her music, but I had never laid eyes on her, on a stage. Everyone knows this NOW, but, that night, I threw my shoe in the air more than a couple of times. I remember thinking to myself, “SURELY, she’s doing this for me. She can’t possibly do this eight times a week!” Just weeks later, I received an email from a leading producer in New York, named Nick Scandalios (who also sits on the BC/EFA board) telling me that Deborah wants to put together a new show, and expand her wings, musically, beyond her legendary dance & music career. We arranged a meeting… it was pretty magical… and, here we are! We’re in the middle of the process, and we’re exploring all kinds of music, and also her unique background and story. The people who attend the event at Seaspice are going to witness where we’re at mid-process, and how and why we’re trying to analyze and conquer the type of material we want to share with an audience. I don’t believe this is done at a regional level, or a local level, but at a world-class level, and what we arrive at, ultimately, should be able to grace any stage across the globe. Deborah is nervous because she feels people expect a certain something, and they will get that, but, I have assured her that they will join her for the rest of the ride, as we move forward. It’s always scary, whether it’s Barbra, Bette, Bernadette, etc. But, we do it together, and we also have the guidance of a brilliant musical director, who is a star in his own right, and his name is Joseph Joubert.

One of the most fascinating things about Deborah, was learning that she is Canadian. More on that as well as being a mom, a wife, an activist, a dance diva, a friend of Whitney Houston’s, a Broadway star, a Fashionista, etc. when we see you at Seaspice.

Arsht Live at Seaspice (422 NW North River Drive, Miami, FL) featuring Deborah Cox takes place on Thursday, January 31 at 7pm with tickets starting at $75.

from Hotspots! Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2019/01/24/qa-an-intimate-evening-with-deborah-cox/